|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 3, 2024 20:41:36 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: The ChaosEpisode 529 "Personal Space": (continued) Fuu stepped inside and felt an immediate sense of calm. The apartment was simple but beautiful in its own way. The tatami mats on the floor were pristine, and the walls were a soft, neutral cream color, giving the space an airy, open feel. A large window on the far side allowed sunlight to flood the room, casting a warm glow over the wooden shoji doors that separated the main living area from what she assumed was the bedroom."This is a one-bedroom unit," Yamada explained as he moved through the space. "It’s about 50 square meters, with a small balcony that overlooks the garden." He slid open the shoji doors to reveal a modest but charming balcony with a view of a peaceful courtyard garden below. Fuu walked over to the window and looked out at the greenery. She could imagine herself unwinding here after a long day at work, sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea. It was quiet, far enough from the busy streets, yet still within reach of everything she needed.
"It’s a nice view," she said softly, already feeling a connection to the space.Yamada nodded. "The complex is well-maintained. We have regular cleaning staff, and we like to keep things peaceful for our tenants. No noisy neighbors, I assure you." He winked, and Fuu couldn’t help but chuckle. "It’s perfect," she said, turning back to him. "Exactly what I’m looking for.""Glad to hear it," Yamada said with a satisfied nod. "Now, let me show you the kitchen and the bathroom." The kitchen was small but functional, with a two-burner stove, a compact refrigerator, and enough counter space to prepare meals. It wasn’t a gourmet kitchen by any means, but it would serve Fuu’s needs. She wasn’t much of a cook anyway—her busy schedule usually had her grabbing quick meals between shifts at the Ninth Division.
The bathroom, separated into a small washroom and a bathing area, was typical of Japanese apartments. It was clean and modern, with a deep soaking tub that caught Fuu’s attention.
"That bath looks like it could be a lifesaver after a long day," she commented, earning a nod of agreement from Yamada."Many of our tenants say the same thing," he said. "There's nothing quite like a good soak to ease the stress." After they had toured the apartment, Fuu stood in the living area once more, taking it all in. It was small, yes, but it felt right. It was a place where she could truly be herself, away from the expectations of her family or the hustle of her work life.
"This feels perfect," she said after a long pause, turning to Yamada. "What’s the process for signing the lease?"Yamada smiled, pleased with her decision. "Well, we can go over the lease agreement today if you'd like. It's fairly straightforward. We require a two-month deposit and rent paid monthly in advance. The rent for this unit is 80,000 yen a month, utilities separate." "That sounds reasonable," Fuu replied, mentally calculating her expenses. It would be a stretch, but she could manage. Independence, after all, was priceless."Great! Let's head back to the office, and we’ll get the paperwork started," Yamada said, motioning for her to follow. As Fuu walked back down the corridor, she felt a sense of excitement. This was a new chapter for her, one where she could truly define her own life and space. With each step, she moved closer to that sense of freedom she had longed for, and it felt good.~END RP~ "The Letter" |
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 8, 2024 22:46:16 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: The ChaosEpisode 538 "Visiting Friend": Fuu stood in the middle of her new apartment, hands on her hips, surveying the chaos around her. Boxes of all shapes and sizes were stacked everywhere, a mixture of her life before this move and her dreams for the future. She had already put away most of the kitchen supplies, but the living room was still a disaster.
"This place is going to look amazing," she muttered to herself, pushing a stray lock of black hair behind her ear. "Someday."
Storm gray eyes scanned the room as she focused on the nearest box labeled "Books." She smiled slightly, already anticipating the joy of placing her small but beloved collection on the new bookshelf by the window. Grabbing a cutter from a nearby pile, she sliced through the tape and began to unpack. The first book she pulled out was a weathered volume on Soul Society history, a treasured gift from her father when she had first become a Soul Reaper. She ran her fingers over the worn edges before gently placing it on the shelf. Each book she unpacked held some sort of memory, and soon her mind was lost in thought.
As Fuu worked, the apartment started to take shape. Slowly, one box at a time, the space transformed from a cluttered mess into a home. She hummed under her breath, a quiet tune that helped her focus while she placed picture frames on the mantle. One picture in particular made her pause — it was of her with her parents, standing outside their home in the Seireitei. She could still hear her mother fussing over her hair before the picture was taken, her father laughing quietly in the background.
"I guess I’ll miss them more than I thought," she whispered, though she knew this was the right decision. She needed her own space, and this apartment, nestled in the quiet Nakano Village, was perfect. A new start.
Fuu continued unpacking, folding up empty boxes and putting them aside. Just as she was about to dive into a box filled with more personal items — her journals, trinkets from various missions, and the occasional souvenir from her work at the Seireitei Communication — a soft knock echoed through the apartment.
Fuu froze, blinking in surprise. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and very few people knew she had moved in already. For a brief moment, her mind whirled through the possibilities: a neighbor? One of her colleagues from Division Nine? Maybe Yorusuke…?
She wiped her hands on her pants and walked toward the door, heart beating a little faster. Fuu had a habit of jumping to conclusions, her journalistic instincts always prepared for a mystery. Reaching for the handle, she paused, smoothing down her hair before opening it.
"Who could that be?" she murmured, taking a calming breath as she turned the knob. |
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 8, 2024 22:59:44 GMT -6
Susumu stood outside Fuu's new home, his arms crossed and his foot tapping impatiently. He had went to her dorm in the barracks that morning only to find that she had moved out. It took him most of the morning to figure out what her forwarding address was. Once he had it he finished up work as quick as he could and took lunch a bit early so he could venture over to her new place.
He couldn't believe what he had heard. Fuu Ayumu on leave of absence. It was insanity. He had no idea why she was placed on leave of absence, but he was determined to find out why. He especially wanted to know what it was that it demanded she not even tell him what was happening. She had been spending less and less time in the barracks and in the Division Nine Seireitei Communication offices, but he hadn't thought that meant it was leading to this.
When Fuu opened the door he spun around, looking her up and down in the doorway. "Okay, so you're not dead or dying, so that's good. And you look like you're in your right mind. So... mind if I come in so you can tell me what the hell is going on?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 8, 2024 23:04:32 GMT -6
Fuu blinked in surprise as she opened the door, only to find Susumu standing there, a casual smile on his face. She let out a light giggle, covering her mouth with one hand as the tension melted away.
“Susumu! I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, stepping aside and gesturing for him to come in. “Come on in, you’re just in time to help me unpack the rest of this disaster!”
As he stepped into the apartment, Fuu shot him a teasing grin and added, “Unless you’d rather watch me struggle while you sit comfortably, of course.”
She walked toward the kitchen area, glancing over her shoulder. “Can I get you something to drink? I’ve got water, tea… oh, and maybe some juice? I’m still figuring out what I have in this place.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 8, 2024 23:17:32 GMT -6
"Juice sounds good. Whatever you got," Susumu answered as he looked around at the disheveled mess that was move in day. "As for helping you, I might be tempted to let you struggle for a bit longer as punishment for not telling me you were moving. Let alone out of the Seireitei. Or the fact that I had to find out from Lieutenant Hisagi that you were put on leave of absence until further notice which makes me the de facto Third Seat."
He let out a heavy sigh and crossed his arms as he found a sturdy box to perch on. "Not how I expected nor wanted to come by that promotion, by the way."
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 8, 2024 23:24:38 GMT -6
Fuu paused, holding the glass of juice in her hand as Susumu’s words hit her. She walked over to him, a guilty smile tugging at her lips. “Okay, okay, I deserve that,” she said, handing him the juice. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s just been… a lot. I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.”
She bit her lip, glancing at the boxes strewn around the room. “Moving out of the Seireitei wasn’t exactly the plan. But I needed some space. And as for the leave of absence… yeah, that was a surprise to me too.”
Fuu sighed, running a hand through her hair as she leaned against the counter. “But you’ll be great as Third Seat, Susumu. I know it’s not how you wanted it, but I trust you to keep things running smoothly until I’m back. Don’t get too comfortable, though,” she added with a wink. “I’m coming back once all this is behind me, and you’ll have to return my chair.”
She softened, her gaze meeting his. “But honestly, thank you for finding me and checking in. It means a lot, even if I’ve been terrible at keeping you in the loop.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 8, 2024 23:32:15 GMT -6
"Hey, I wasn't just going to let you jump ship without coming to see how you were doing after a bombshell like that." Susumu stared hard at her, taking in everything she said. He nodded slowly and took a drink of the juice--cranberry-orange. "And if you don't plan on giving it up that easily, then good. Cause honestly I don't want it. Not unless Hisagi plans on gunning for captain so you can be lieutenant and I can be third seat." He grinned at her. He patted a box next to him. When Fuu sat down beside him he sighed, shaking his head. "Okay, so... why the hell did they put you on leave? And why the hell does this feel like they're punishing you?"
He looked over at her, watching her expression carefully. "You sound like you don't expect it to take that long, so I'm guessing it must not be too bad... but also bad enough to temporarily kick you out on your ass for lack of a prettier phrase."
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 8, 2024 23:49:20 GMT -6
Fuu sighed, leaning closer to Susumu from her spot on the box next to him. “I can’t tell you much,” she began, her tone soft but serious, “and what I can say is going to be pretty cryptic.” She reached out and lightly poked him in the side of his head, giving him a teasing smile. “So, use that noggin of yours to piece it together, alright?”
Susumu looked at her, clearly confused but willing to follow her lead. His brow furrowed, but after a moment, he nodded.
Fuu's gaze softened slightly as she continued, her voice lowering. “You know I’ve been helping Yorusuke over in the Sixth Division, right? We were following some clues tied to the Robin Hood group." She paused, making sure he was keeping up. "Let’s just say things got… a little more complicated than I expected.”
Susumu was silent for a bit longer before he blinked at her and grinned. "Wait, did you find them? Who are they?! Are they nobles or Soul Reapers? Neither? I can't imagine they'd be Rukongai souls. I mean who else would target nobles but Soul Reapers or another clan of nobles?"
Fuu shook her head, frustration clear in her eyes. "I know no more about the Robin Hood group now than I did the day I was relieved from my position," she admitted with a sigh. "The information I came across wasn’t directly about the thieves, but it was suspected to be linked to them. And if that information falls into the wrong hands… it could mean devastation for a lot of people.”
She glanced at Susumu, her expression tense but resolute. “That’s why I was relieved from duty. To protect the division, to keep things from spiraling. But I wasn’t just pulled out to sit around. I’m still investigating, just on my own now—under the guidance of a very influential group.”
Her eyes held his for a moment, silently urging him to trust her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 9, 2024 12:22:47 GMT -6
Susumu sighed and scratched the back of his neck. "Alright. You can't talk about it. I get it. I'll keep my nose out of it." He turned to her and pointed at her. "But the minute you get into deep shit, you'd better call me. Just cause you're not on active duty right now doesn't mean I won't come help you if you get stuck in a hole."
Fuu chuckled softly, her gaze warming as she looked at Susumu. "You’re too good to me, you know that?" she said, shaking her head slightly. “But seriously, I appreciate it.”
She crossed her arms, a playful grin creeping onto her face. “I promise, the minute I’m knee-deep in something I can’t handle, you’ll be the first person I call. Even if I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere, I know you’ll come charging in to save the day.” Her voice softened then, sincerity filling her words. “Thank you, Susumu. It’s good to know you’ve got my back, even when I’m off the radar.”
Susumu tried to hold back the hot blush that crept up his neck to his face. He wiped the condensation from the glass off then raised it to his lips. "Hey, what are friends for? You got my back, I got yours."
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 9, 2024 12:37:54 GMT -6
Fuu grinned as she caught the faint blush creeping up Susumu's face, and she tried not to tease him too much. “Exactly. You’ve got my back, and I’ve always got yours. That’s how it’s always been.”
She was about to say more when something clicked in her mind. Her eyes widened slightly, and she snapped her fingers. “Wait a minute... you’re on your lunch break, aren’t you?” She glanced at the time, then back at him with a playful smile. “You should’ve said something sooner!”
Fuu quickly moved toward the kitchen, opening cabinets. “You don’t have to run back just yet. Why don’t you stay and have lunch with me? It’ll only take a minute to whip something up—nothing fancy, but I promise it’ll be better than whatever you grabbed on the go.” She shot him a lighthearted wink.
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 9, 2024 13:01:00 GMT -6
"Actually I came straight here, so I haven't even eaten yet," Susumu let out an embarrassed chuckle. He shrugged. "I was just going to eat in my office while doing some editing but if you're offering then like hell I'm gonna say no."
He followed Fuu into the kitchen. "At least let me help out though. Otherwise I'll feel bad about busting down your door and stealing your food."
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 9, 2024 13:22:26 GMT -6
Fuu chuckled at Susumu’s embarrassed tone and waved him off. “Oh, come on, you don’t have to feel bad. You showing up was a good excuse for me to stop unpacking and actually eat something myself.” She smiled, then gestured toward the food she was preparing. “Besides, what kind of host would I be if I let you help? You already busted down my door, might as well steal my food too!”
She gave him a playful nudge as she continued working. “But seriously, just relax. I’ve got this. I can whip something together in no time." Turning back to Susumu with a smile, she said, "Hope a quick stir-fry with fried rice and an egg on top will please the palate. Nothing fancy, but it’ll do the trick."
Within moments, the kitchen was filled with the sizzling sound of veggies hitting the pan. She tossed in carrots, peas, and a few other vegetables she found, letting them cook until they were just tender. Then, she added the cold rice from earlier, stirring it together with the veggies and a splash of soy sauce. She cracked two eggs into a separate pan, frying them to perfection, the yolks still soft but cooked through.
As she plated the rice and topped each with an egg, she glanced over her shoulder at Susumu. “I know it’s not much, but I think you’ll like it. Besides,” she added with a playful grin, “I didn’t see you bring anything better.”
She set the plates on the small table by the window, gesturing for him to sit. “Dig in, and let me know what you think. And don’t hold back,” she teased.
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 9, 2024 13:34:07 GMT -6
Susumu smiled wide at the plate of fried rice, sitting down at the table across from Fuu. "Hey, it's pretty hard to fuck up fried rice. My bad about not bringing a gift. I'll make sure to bring you something next time." He bowed over the plate then picked up his spoon. "Itadakimasu."
Susumu pierced the yolk of the egg to find it completely cooked through. Not hard, but not runny either. He blinked and looked up at her. "I'm only saying this because you said not to hold back... who the hell eats soft fried egg on fried rice? What did the eggs do to deserve this?" He scooped up some of the egg with the fried rice and took a bite. "Mmm, it's really good though. Still, it needs egg yolk." Susumu shook his head in mock disgust.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fuu Ayumu on Oct 9, 2024 13:46:04 GMT -6
Fuu burst out laughing, setting her chopsticks down as she leaned back in her chair. “Liquid chickens? Not in my kitchen!” she teased, pointing her chopsticks at him with a grin. “I don’t do runny yolks. It’s just weird, okay? Fried rice deserves a properly cooked egg, no crime scene on the plate.”
She watched him take another bite, raising an eyebrow playfully. “But hey, if you’re going to sit there and insult my cooking, you’d better be ready to bring something to the table next time. Like, I don’t know, maybe your own runny eggs?”
Fuu winked at him before taking another bite. “Glad you like it, though, despite my 'egg abuse' as you’d call it.” She shook her head, chuckling. “Next time, I’ll let you handle the eggs. You can show me how it’s ‘supposed’ to be done.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Susumu Hattori on Oct 9, 2024 16:02:36 GMT -6
"Deal!" Susumu pointed his spoon at her with a grin. She rolled her eyes and laughed at him. As he shoveled his food in he turned back to her. "So, how are you liking the new place? Think you'll enjoy life away from the Seireitei?"
Fuu paused, her chopsticks hovering over her plate as she thought about Susumu’s question. A soft sigh escaped her, and she smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s... different,” she admitted, glancing around her still-unpacked apartment. “It’s only been a few days, but I really miss everyone, the routine, the noise of the Seireitei. It feels weird not being in the middle of it all, you know?”
She shrugged, trying to brush off the weight of the thought. “But at the same time, I do like having my own space. I’ve never really had this much privacy before.” Fuu looked back at Susumu, her smile a little more genuine now. “It’s nice in a way, but I can’t say I’m totally used to it yet. I think a part of me still expects to wake up and head into the office like normal.” She twirled her chopsticks in her hand before taking another bite. “I don’t know… maybe once things settle down, I’ll be able to enjoy it more. But right now, it just feels like I’m stuck between missing everyone and needing this break. Gray area, you know?”
Fuu giggled softly, shaking her head. "What about you? How’s life as the de facto Third Seat?"
"Well it's big shoes to fill, that's for sure. So thanks for that," Susumu said with a smirk as he finished his juice and scooped more fried rice off of his plate. "It's a lot of work, but I'm glad to keep the seat warm until you get back. Though I'm kind of appreciating Fourth Seat more now."
|
|
